PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchiTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
AION 2 is listed as a free-to-play Steam MMORPG, but players needed to buy a Founder’s Pack to enter its announced Advanced Access period. That access ran from September 30 through October 4, 2026; the announced free-to-play launch date was October 5.
Is AION 2 free, and do you need to pay to play early?
Steam lists AION 2 as free-to-play. According to the official AION 2 Steam Community announcement, however, play during Advanced Access from September 30 through October 4, 2026 required buying a Founder’s Pack. The announced full release date was October 5, 2026, when the game was listed to launch free-to-play.
That distinction matters: the pack was the paid route into the earlier access window, not a stated requirement to play after launch. The dates are the schedule announced by NC; check the Steam listing for current availability and regional terms.
What did the Founder’s Packs cost?
At the time the US Steam listing was checked, it offered three digital Founder’s Pack tiers. Buying any tier enabled play before the full release. Prices can vary by region and may change.
#1 Best Overall
- The Ultimate 2 Player Game
| US Steam tier | Listed price when checked | Early access |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | $24.99 | Play ahead of the full release |
| Deluxe | $49.99 | Play ahead of the full release |
| Ultimate | $99.99 | Play ahead of the full release |
The listing establishes the access benefit and prices, but the available information here does not specify the individual tiers’ other contents. Compare the current Steam product descriptions before choosing a tier; do not assume a higher price is necessary just to obtain early access.
Does the Steam chart prove thousands paid?
No exact early-access purchaser total is established by the available figures. GAMINGbible reported that AION 2 appeared on Steam’s global Top Sellers chart and described demand as “thousands,” but a chart position does not disclose units sold or the number of people who bought a pack. Steam’s global Top Sellers chart is revenue-oriented, so rank alone cannot substantiate a specific payer count.
Rank #2
Steam showed 2,464 English reviews, 74% positive, when checked on October 3, 2026. That is a changing review snapshot, not a count of players, purchasers, or Founder’s Pack buyers. Review numbers and chart placement should not be treated as sales totals.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →What kind of game is AION 2?
NC develops and publishes AION 2, which Steam describes as an MMORPG focused on aerial combat. The store listing calls it “The only MMORPG built for aerial combat”—that is the publisher’s claim, not an independently established comparison. NC’s listing also says the world is 36 times larger than the original AION; it does not provide a comparison methodology for that figure.
Rank #3
- The Thrill of Flight: Flying is a strategic and integral part of the game, adding a fresh dynamic to all aspects of the genre, including combat, quests, and exploration.
- Stunning World: Discover a meticulously crafted fantasy world brimming with otherworldly inhabitants, mysterious enemies, and ancient secrets.
- Innovative PvPvE: Aion introduces a new dynamic to MMOs by combining both PvP and PvE gameplay into an exciting new style.
- Intense Visceral Combat: Engage in a spectacular and evolving combat system utilizing combos, skill chains, counterattacks, and spectacular aerial combat.
- Ships in Certified Frustration-Free Packaging
Should you buy early access or wait?
The decision is whether the announced earlier access and any pack benefits are worth the listed price to you. If getting into the game before October 5 mattered to you, a Founder’s Pack was the announced entry route. If not, the game was listed as free-to-play at its October 5 launch, so early access alone was not a reason to pay for the game after that date. Check the live store page for current release status, pack availability, and regional pricing.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- CLASSIC TILE PLACEMENT: Draw and place landscape tiles to build cities, roads, fields, and monasteries, then deploy meeples as knights, farmers, and monks to claim features and score points.
- STRATEGY FOR ADULTS AND FAMILIES: Carcassonne pairs intuitive rules with meaningful decisions, making it accessible for ages 7+ while still engaging experienced adult board gamers.
- REPLAYABLE MEDIEVAL ADVENTURE: Randomized tile draws create a different landscape every game, bringing fresh puzzles and competitive fun to family game night and casual group play.
- TWO TO FIVE PLAYERS: Built for 2-5 players with an average 35-minute playtime, Carcassonne fits weeknight sessions at home, family gatherings on vacation, and adult board game evenings.
- INCLUDES MINI-EXPANSIONS: The base game comes with The Abbot and The River mini-expansions in the box, adding variety to the classic Carcassonne board game experience from the start.
Rank #4
- INTENSE TWO-PLAYER GAMEPLAY: Enter the world of Splendor in an exciting battle designed exclusively for two players. Outwit and outmaneuver your opponent as you race to gain the most prestige points and become the master gemstone merchant.
- STRATEGIC GEMSTONE ACQUISITION: Plan your moves carefully to collect gemstones and construct powerful combinations. Use your resources wisely to purchase development cards and gain an edge over your adversary.
- IMMERSIVE AND COMPACT DESIGN: Splendor Duel features high-quality components, including gemstone tokens, development cards, and noble tiles. The game's compact size makes it perfect for travel or playing on-the-go without sacrificing the immersive gaming experience.
- QUICK AND ENGAGING GAMEPLAY: Enjoy fast-paced gameplay with average playtimes of just 30 minutes. Splendor Duel offers a perfect balance of simplicity and strategic depth, making it accessible for both casual gamers and experienced board game enthusiasts.
- ENDLESS REPLAYABILITY: With a vast array of development cards and different starting setups, no two games of Splendor Duel are alike. Explore various strategies and adapt your tactics to emerge victorious in this exciting gemstone battle.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
